Curious how a Norwegian explorer ended up being honored here? This is the Roald Amundsen Stele. It stands as a tribute to a true pioneer of polar exploration.
The Roald Amundsen Stele commemorates Roald Amundsen. He was the first person to reach the South Pole. Amundsen was also first to navigate the Northwest Passage. This Arctic water route connects the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Amundsen’s journey through the Northwest Passage is especially linked to San Francisco. He began his voyage in 1903. He sailed with a crew of six. Their ship was the Gjøa. It was a converted herring boat. The journey took three years. In 1906, the Gjøa reached the Golden Gate.
The San Francisco Norwegian community celebrated Amundsen’s accomplishment. They purchased the Gjøa from him. In 1909, they donated the ship to the city of San Francisco. The Gjøa was placed on display at the west end of Golden Gate Park.
Sadly, the ship suffered from vandalism and weather damage. By the 1930s it fell into disrepair. In 1972, the Gjøa was returned to Norway. Today, it is restored. It is a popular exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Oslo.
This Roald Amundsen Stele is a “bauta”. It is a stone shaft made of Norwegian granite. Bay Area Norwegians donated it in March 1930. It marks the spot where the Gjøa was once displayed.
Hans Jauchen designed the Roald Amundsen Stele. He was a German-born artist. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1910. He taught at Stanford and UC Berkeley.
Amundsen’s drive for exploration didn’t stop at the Northwest Passage. In 1911, he led the first expedition to the South Pole. He was a successful lecturer and writer. His books recounted his adventures and scientific contributions.
Think of Amundsen’s daring spirit as you stand before this stele. He faced immense challenges. He pushed the boundaries of human exploration. His legacy lives on in the annals of polar history. The Roald Amundsen Stele reminds us of his achievements.